ANTALYA

Antalya (600,000 inhabitants) is one of the most celebrated tourist localities of the Turkish mediterranean southern coast, the city is found, on the sea, in a splendid position surrounded from the chain of the Taurus Mountains, that here exceed the 3000 meters of height.

Founded in the 2nd century bC, with the name of Attaleai from the king of Pergamo Attalo II, Antalya has a rich history that passes through the Roman domination, the Byzantines, the Seldjuk, the Cruciates and the Ottomans.

Antalya main attractions: Of the greco-roman age are the remain of the Hidirlik Kulesi tower constructed as a lighthouse in the 2nd century, the Roman walls and the arc of Adrian (130 aD). Of the Seldjuk period are the remains of the mosque minaret Yivli Minareli in the center of the city and the Karatay Medrese (college of theology) in the quarter of Kaleici both constructed in 13th century. Of the Ottoman period are instead others two mosques: the mosque Murat Pasa (16th century) and the mosque Tekeli Mehmet Pasa (19th century). The quarter of Kaleici, is the colorful historical center of the city, here are beautiful and characteristic woodden houses, today storees, bar and restaurants occupy its narrow and evocative roads. Interesting is also the Archaeological Museum of Antalya with a rich collection of classic statues.

At about 12 km towards east, after a stop at the Duden On waterfalls where a torrent jump directly into the sea, lies the beach of Lara. Around Antalya is found an amazing series of rests of ancient cities: Termessos, that lies at about 1000 of height in the Taurus mountains, is probably the more interesting of all, the city was the most important town of Pisidia, today are still visible the rests of the agora, of the odeon and of the theatre; the panorama of the peaks on the background to the amphitheater is unforgettable. Aspendos, one of the more important city of the Pampilia, today are visible the rests of the odeon and the basilica. Ariassos, situated in a valley 48 km from Antalya are still visible the gates of the town-walls, the baths, some tombs carved in the rocky and an intact mausoleum. Perge, at about 18 km to the northeast of Antalya, lies on two hills, on a hill is the theatre on the other the acropoli. Other rests of ancient cities are found in Phaselis and Side.